Do not politicize STL, Ban says.

Masdar City, United Arab Emirates, 17 January 2011 - Secretary-General's remarks at Press Conference [full transcript]
Excerpts:

I am closely monitoring developments in Lebanon.
I strongly support the work of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
It is an independent court of law established at the request of the Government of Lebanon, with a clear mandate from the United Nations Security Council.
The independent judicial process should not be linked with any political debate. It is important not to prejudge the outcome of the investigation.
And no one should politicize the work of the Tribunal. In this context, I would like to stress the need for calm, dialogue and respect for the country's laws and Constitution.
I reiterate my full support for the independent work of the Special Tribunal and I have full confidence in its staff.

Excerpts:

Q: [in Arabic, on Lebanon and Iran]

SG: First of all, about Lebanon: even though there has been a collapse of government, Prime Minister Hariri is now working as caretaker prime minister, and I understand that President Suleiman is also talking with all political party leaders to form a new government. I hope that this new government will be established as soon as possible. It is important, because the people of Lebanon have the right to enjoy genuine freedom and stability. They cannot continue [to live in] this kind of instability. I also hope that the international community will [stand by] the Lebanese people. For its part, the United Nations will continue to do so. Our mission there, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has a mandate by the Security Council to help restore peace and stability, and so UNIFIL will continue its work in accordance with its mandate.

Q: [on work of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon]

SG: I have made the position of the United Nations very clear. I will continue to emphasize that the work of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon is part of an international judiciary process which should be fully respected by the international community, including by the people of Lebanon and whoever else it may concern. It is very important work, to put an end to impunity and to establish a system of international justice.

Q: Are you concerned that the crisis in Tunisia might spread to other countries in the region? [followed by question on Lebanon]?

SG: On Lebanon, I do not have much more to add to what I have already stated. This is a matter of principle, that there should be no impunity. We must bring an end to impunity. That is why the United Nations has established a number of tribunals, starting with International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. I hope this sends a strong message down the road.